Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing laser-perforated nanoreinforced materials are disclosed. A honeycomb core may utilize a perforated top sheet and a microperforated overlay film coupled to the perforated top sheet. The perforated top sheet and/or the microperforated film may include thermally conductive nanomaterials. The perforations in the top sheet and the microperforations in the film may be laser drilled. The nanomaterials may dissipate heat generated by the laser drilling, allowing for increased perforation speeds.

Abstract: An inner fixed structure for an aircraft nacelle may comprise a nanoreinforced polyimide composite skin. The nanomaterials may increase thermal conductivity and decrease microcracking in the inner fixed structure. The inner fixed structure may comprise an inner polyimide composite skin, an acoustic core, and an outer polyimide composite skin. The inner fixed structure may be blanketless.

Abstract: A method of generating a pressure wave proximate an airflow surface and altering airflow to promote a localized lowering of skin friction over the airflow surface is described herein. A series of pressure waves may be configured to create a virtual riblet to control turbulent vortices in a boundary layer adjacent to the airflow surface creating a virtual riblet. The pressure waves may be configured to prevent disruption of the flow of air relative to at least one of a step or a gap associated with the airflow surface. The pressure wave generating system may be comprised of at least one of a thermoacoustic material, a piezoelectric material and a semiconductor material, and a microelectric circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting damage in composite components are disclosed. A first attachment feature and a second attachment feature may be coupled to a composite component. A transmitting device may be coupled to the first attachment feature. A receiving device may be coupled to the second attachment feature. A signal may be transmitted from the transmitting device, through the first attachment feature, through the composite component, and through the second attachment feature to the receiving device. The signal may be analyzed to detect damage in the composite component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lightning strike materials are disclosed. The material may include a carbon fiber tow. Carbon nanotubes may be grown on carbon fibers within the carbon fiber tow. The carbon nanotubes may cause the carbon fibers to separate, decreasing a carbon tow fiber volume fraction of the tow. The growth of the carbon nanotubes may be controlled to select a tow fiber volume fraction of the tow. The lightning strike material may transmit electricity to decrease damage to the composite structure in case of a lightning strike.

Abstract: An acoustic liner may include a core with a plurality of resonator chambers, a perforated top sheet coupled to the core, and a backskin coupled to the core. A thermoacoustic speaker including nanomaterials may be coupled to at least one of the core, the backskin, and the perforated top sheet. A voltage may be applied to the thermoacoustic speaker. The thermoacoustic carbon nanotube speaker may create a dynamic excitation within a resonator chamber in the core. The dynamic excitation may change the liner acoustic impedance to achieve optimum noise attenuation over a wide range of frequencies or engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Methods are provided forming a metallic nacelle inlet structure for a turbine engine aircraft propulsion system with an axis. The nacelle inlet structure includes an inlet lip portion and an outer barrel portion. One of the method may include steps of: forming the inlet lip portion; forming the outer barrel portion; arranging the inlet lip portion axially adjacent the outer barrel portion; and friction stir welding the inlet lip portion to the outer barrel portion to provide a circumferentially extending weld joint between the inlet lip portion and the outer barrel portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lightning strike materials are disclosed. The material may include a carbon fiber tow. Carbon nanotubes may be grown on carbon fibers within the carbon fiber tow. The carbon nanotubes may cause the carbon fibers to separate, decreasing a carbon tow fiber volume fraction of the tow. The growth of the carbon nanotubes may be controlled to select a tow fiber volume fraction of the tow. The lightning strike material may transmit electricity to decrease damage to the composite structure in case of a lightning strike.

Abstract: An inlet for an aircraft nacelle may comprise a nanoreinforced polyimide composite lip skin. The nanomaterials may increase thermal conductivity and decrease microcracking in the lip skin. A lip skin for an inlet with an electric heater may comprise a surface layer, an outer composite skin, an electric heater, an inner composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating. A lip skin for an inlet with a pneumatic deicing system may comprise a surface layer, a composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: Methods are provided forming a metallic nacelle inlet structure for a turbine engine aircraft propulsion system with an axis. The nacelle inlet structure includes an inlet lip portion and an outer barrel portion. One of the method may include steps of: forming the inlet lip portion; forming the outer barrel portion; arranging the inlet lip portion axially adjacent the outer barrel portion; and friction stir welding the inlet lip portion to the outer barrel portion to provide a circumferentially extending weld joint between the inlet lip portion and the outer barrel portion.

Abstract: A nacelle is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This nacelle includes an outer barrel and an active laminar flow control system. The active laminar flow control system includes an array of perforations in the outer barrel, a suction source and a drain mechanism. The suction source is fluidly coupled with the array of perforations. The drain mechanism is fluidly coupled with and between the array of perforations and the suction source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing laser-perforated nanoreinforced materials are disclosed. A honeycomb core may utilize a perforated top sheet and a microperforated overlay film coupled to the perforated top sheet. The perforated top sheet and/or the microperforated film may include thermally conductive nanomaterials. The perforations in the top sheet and the microperforations in the film may be laser drilled. The nanomaterials may dissipate heat generated by the laser drilling, allowing for increased perforation speeds.

Abstract: A composite laminate for use on an external part of an aerospace vehicle has improved ultraviolet resistance and resistance to microcracking from thermal cycling. The laminate comprises a nanoreinforcement film, a support veil, and a composite layer. The laminate also can have a lightning strike protection layer and an external paint and primer. The nanoreinforcement film can comprise carbon nanomaterial and a polymer resin, and the composite layer has one or more layers of a reinforcement and a polymer resin. The carbon nanomaterial can be carbon nanofibers, and the nanoreinforcement film can have an areal weight of less than about 100 g/m2. The carbon nanomaterial can also comprise carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting damage in composite components are disclosed. A first attachment feature and a second attachment feature may be coupled to a composite component. A transmitting device may be coupled to the first attachment feature. A receiving device may be coupled to the second attachment feature. A signal may be transmitted from the transmitting device, through the first attachment feature, through the composite component, and through the second attachment feature to the receiving device. The signal may be analyzed to detect damage in the composite component.

Abstract: An inlet for an aircraft nacelle may comprise a nanoreinforced polyimide composite lip skin. The nanomaterials may increase thermal conductivity and decrease microcracking in the lip skin. A lip skin for an inlet with an electric heater may comprise a surface layer, an outer composite skin, an electric heater, an inner composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating. A lip skin for an inlet with a pneumatic deicing system may comprise a surface layer, a composite skin, and a thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing laser-perforated nanoreinforced materials are disclosed. A honeycomb core may utilize a perforated top sheet and a microperforated overlay film coupled to the perforated top sheet. The perforated top sheet and/or the microperforated film may include thermally conductive nanomaterials. The perforations in the top sheet and the microperforations in the film may be laser drilled. The nanomaterials may dissipate heat generated by the laser drilling, allowing for increased perforation speeds.

Abstract: An inner fixed structure for an aircraft nacelle may comprise a nanoreinforced polyimide composite skin. The nanomaterials may increase thermal conductivity and decrease microcracking in the inner fixed structure. The inner fixed structure may comprise an inner polyimide composite skin, an acoustic core, and an outer polyimide composite skin. The inner fixed structure may be blanketless.

Abstract: A polyimide resin may be extruded into a polyimide film. The viscosity of the polyimide resin may be increased by adding nanomaterials to the polyimide resin. The polyimide film may be a surface film for a composite laminate. The polyimide film may be resin film infused with dry fiber layers. The nanomaterials may decrease microcracking and increase ultraviolet radiation protection.

Abstract: An acoustic liner may include a core with a plurality of resonator chambers, a perforated top sheet coupled to the core, and a backskin coupled to the core. A thermoacoustic speaker including nanomaterials may be coupled to at least one of the core, the backskin, and the perforated top sheet. A voltage may be applied to the thermoacoustic speaker. The thermoacoustic carbon nanotube speaker may create a dynamic excitation within a resonator chamber in the core. The dynamic excitation may change the liner acoustic impedance to achieve optimum noise attenuation over a wide range of frequencies or engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lightning strike materials are disclosed. The material may include a carbon fiber tow. Carbon nanotubes may be grown on carbon fibers within the carbon fiber tow. The carbon nanotubes may cause the carbon fibers to separate, decreasing a carbon tow fiber volume fraction of the tow. The growth of the carbon nanotubes may be controlled to select a tow fiber volume fraction of the tow. The lightning strike material may transmit electricity to decrease damage to the composite structure in case of a lightning strike.